Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent. ✨ James Boswell, Samuel Johnson, Edmond Malone (1824). The life of Samuel Johnson, LL. D., comprehending an account of his studies, and numerous works, in chronological order: a series of his epistolary correspondence and conversations with many eminent persons; and various original pieces of his composition, never before published; the whole exhibiting a view of literature and literary men in Great Britain, for near half a century during which he flourished, p.373
More Author Quotes
- The excellence of aphorisms consists not so much in the expression of some rare or abstruse sentiment, as in the comprehension of some useful truth in a few words. ✨ Samuel Johnson (1761). The Ramble … ▶
- No man can perform so little as not to have reason to congratulate himself on his merits, when he beholds the multitude that live in total idleness, and have never yet endeavoured to be useful. ✨ Sam … ▶
- The happiest conversation is that of which nothing is distinctly remembered, but a general effect of pleasing impression. ✨ James Boswell, Samuel Johnson, Edmond Malone (1824). The Life of Samuel Joh … ▶
- Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion, and he whose real wants are supplied must admit those of fancy. ✨ Samuel Johnson, Abraham Raimbach, Robert Smirke (1819). Rasselas, p.30
- A transition from an author's book to his conversation is too often like an entrance into a large city, after a distant prospect. Remotely, we see nothing but spires of temples and turrets of palaces … ▶
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